Abstract: This invention provides a method of preparing a quaternary ammonium hydroxide compound having the formula (NR1R2R3R4)OH, wherein R1 and R2 are independently C1–C4 alkyl; R3 is benzyl or a C1–C20 alkyl or a C1–C20 aryl-sutstituted alkyl; R4 is a C8–C20 alkyl. The method includes the step of reacting a quaternary ammonium compound having the formula (NR1R2R3R4)+X?, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined above and X is Br or Cl, with a metal hydroxide in an aminoalcohol solvent to yield the quaternary ammonium hydroxide. The reaction forms metal bromide and/or metal chloride as a byproduct. The metal byproducts and excess metal hydroxide (if any) can be removed by methods known in the art. According to one preferred embodiment, the reaction of the quaternary ammonium compound with the metal hydroxide is performed in an anhydrous environment (i.e., with no water present).

Abstract: Applicant has discovered an in situ method of preparing quaternary ammonium methocarbonate salts and quaternary ammonium alkylcarbonate salts in high yield from tertiary amines, methanol, and at least one of a cyclic carbonate, an aliphatic polyester (such as a polycarbonate), or an ester (such as a carbonate ester), and their subsequent conversion to quaternary ammonium bicarbonates, quaternary ammonium carbonates or both in a one-pot reaction. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes reacting an amine and methanol with at least one of a cyclic carbonate and an aliphatic polyester to yield a quaternary ammonium methocarbonate. This method does not produce or require the handling of corrosive quaternary ammonium hydroxides. Another embodiment is a method of preparing quaternary ammonium alkylcarbonate salts by reacting tertiary amines, methanol, and an ester.

Abstract: Applicant has discovered an in situ method of preparing quaternary ammonium methocarbonate salts and quaternary ammonium alkylcarbonate salts in high yield from tertiary amines, methanol, and at least one of a cyclic carbonate, an aliphatic polyester (such as a polycarbonate), or an ester (such as a carbonate ester), and their subsequent conversion to quaternary ammonium bicarbonates, quaternary ammonium carbonates or both in a one-pot reaction. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes reacting an amine and methanol with at least one of a cyclic carbonateand an aliphatic polyester to yield a quaternary ammonium methocarbonate. This method does not produce or require the handling of corrosive quaternary ammonium hydroxides. Another embodiment is a method of preparing quaternary ammonium alkylcarbonate salts by reacting tertiary amines, methanol, and an ester.

Abstract: Applicant has discovered an in situ method of preparing quaternary ammonium methocarbonate salts and quaternary ammonium alkylcarbonate salts in high yield from tertiary amines, methanol, and at least one of a cyclic carbonate, an aliphatic polyester (such as a polycarbonate), or an ester (such as a carbonate ester), and their subsequent conversion to quaternary ammonium bicarbonates, quaternary ammonium carbonates or both in a one-pot reaction. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes reacting an amine and methanol with at least one of a cyclic carbonate and an aliphatic polyester to yield a quaternary ammonium methocarbonate. This method does not produce or require the handling of corrosive quaternary ammonium hydroxides. Another embodiment is a method of preparing quaternary ammonium alkylcarbonate salts by reacting tertiary amines, methanol, and an ester.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that amine oxides are highly effective as wood preservatives. The present invention provides a wood preservative composition comprising a biocidally effective amount of one or more amine oxides. Preferably, the wood preservative composition is substantially free of halogenated compounds (such as halides and chlorinated compounds) and quaternary ammonium compounds. The wood preservative composition of the present invention exhibits low toxicity, high stability in water, low corrosivity to metal substrates (such as steel substrates), excellent penetration and uniform distribution into wood, low odor, waterproofing properties, and high leaching resistance. The wood preservative composition may be applied to the surface of a wood substrate or be applied by pressure treating the wood substrate with the wood preservative composition. Other cellulosic and fiber materials, such as cotton, burlap, and like materials, may be preserved with the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered that amine oxides enhance the performance of azoles as fungicides and wood preservatives. Also, amine oxides have been found to provide waterproofing properties and enhance the uniform distribution and penetration of azoles into wood substrates. The present invention provides a composition comprising an amine oxide and an azole, such as a 1,2,4-triazole. The composition of the present invention may be incorporated into or be a wood preservative and waterproofing system, or agricultural product. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for preserving and/or waterproofing a wood substrate by applying the composition to the wood substrate. Yet another embodiment is an article comprising a wood substrate and the composition of the present invention. The invention also provides a method of controlling fungi comprising applying an effective amount of the composition of the present invention to the fungi or the area on which the fungi grow.

Abstract: Applicant has discovered an in situ method of preparing quaternary ammonium methocarbonate salts and quaternary ammonium alkylcarbonate salts in high yield from tertiary amines, methanol, and at least one of a cyclic carbonate, an aliphatic polyester (such as a polycarbonate), or an ester (such as a carbonate ester), and their subsequent conversion to quaternary ammonium bicarbonates, quaternary ammonium carbonates or both in a one-pot reaction. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes reacting an amine and methanol with at least one of a cyclic carbonate and an aliphatic polyester to yield a quaternary ammonium methocarbonate. This method does not produce or require the handling of corrosive quaternary ammonium hydroxides. Another embodiment is a method of preparing quaternary ammonium alkylcarbonate salts by reacting tertiary amines, methanol, and an ester.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising an amine oxide and a boron compound. The boron compound may be boric acid, diboron tetrahydroxide, a borate, a boron oxide, a borane, or any combination of any of the foregoing. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for preserving and/or waterproofing a wood substrate by contacting the composition with the wood substrate. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method for controlling plants, insects, or fungi or regulating the growth of plants comprising applying an insecticidal, herbicidal, fungicidal, or plant growth regulating effective amount of a composition of the present invention to the plants, fungi, insects, the seeds of the plants, or the area on which the plants or fungi grow.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered that amine oxides enhance the uniform distribution and penetration of wood preservatives into wood substrates, minimize leaching of the wood preservatives, and improve the weatherability of the wood substrate. The present invention provides a method for enhancing the uniform distribution and penetration of at least one wood preservative into a wood substrate by applying a preservative composition to the wood substrate. The preservative composition comprises a wood distribution and penetration enhancing agent, which includes an amine oxide, and the wood preservatives. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for enhancing the uniform distribution and penetration of one or more wood preservatives by applying the wood preservatives to the wood substrate and then applying the aforementioned wood distribution and penetration enhancing agent to the wood substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising an amine oxide and a boron compound. The boron compound may be boric acid, diboron tetrahydroxide, a borate, a boron oxide, a borane, or any combination of any of the foregoing. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for preserving and/or waterproofing a wood substrate by contacting the composition with the wood substrate. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method for controlling plants, insects, or fungi or regulating the growth of plants comprising applying an insecticidal, herbicidal, fungicidal, or plant growth regulating effective amount of a composition of the present invention to the plants, fungi, insects, the seeds of the plants, or the area on which the plants or fungi grow.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered that amine oxides enhance the uniform distribution and penetration of wood preservatives into wood substrates, minimize leaching of the wood preservatives, and improve the weatherability of the wood substrate. The present invention provides a method for enhancing the uniform distribution and penetration of at least one wood preservative into a wood substrate by applying a preservative composition to the wood substrate. The preservative composition comprises a wood distribution and penetration enhancing agent, which includes an amine oxide, and the wood preservatives. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for enhancing the uniform distribution and penetration of one or more wood preservatives by applying the wood preservatives to the wood substrate and then applying the aforementioned wood distribution and penetration enhancing agent to the wood substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising an amine oxide and an iodine containing biocide. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for preserving and/or waterproofing a wood substrate by contacting the composition with the wood substrate.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that amine oxides are highly effective as wood preservatives. The present invention provides a wood preservative composition comprising a biocidally effective amount of one or more amine oxides. Preferably, the wood preservative composition is substantially free of halogenated compounds (such as halides and chlorinated compounds) and quaternary ammonium compounds. The wood preservative composition of the present invention exhibits low toxicity, high stability in water, low corrosivity to metal substrates (such as steel substrates), excellent penetration and uniform distribution into wood, low odor, waterproofing properties, and high leaching resistance. The wood preservative composition may be applied to the surface of a wood substrate or be applied by pressure treating the wood substrate with the wood preservative composition. Other cellulosic and fiber materials, such as cotton, burlap, and like materials, may be preserved with the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium carbonates having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group have been synthesized.These compounds and compositions further comprising the corresponding quaternary ammonium bicarbonate ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 is the same or a different C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 is the same or a different C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group and/or the corresponding quaternary ammonium metal carbonate ##STR3## wherein R.sup.1 is the same or a different C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group; R.sup.2 is the same or a different C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group and M is a non-coupler metal, are prepared by reacting two reactants, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl, C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl quaternary ammonium chloride and a metal hydroxide, in a solvent comprising a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 normal alcohol.

Abstract: Wood preservative systems comprising (a) a biocidal effective amount of (i) at least one di C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl quaternary ammonium carboxylate having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are a C.sub.8 -C.sub.l2 alkyl group; R.sup.3 is a substituted or unsubstituted, interrupted or uninterrupted C.sub.1 -C.sub.100 group; l and q independently are 1, 2 or 3 and (l) (q) is 1, 2, or 3; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 50; (ii) at least one di C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl quaternary ammonium borate having the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are defined as above, and a is 2 or 3, but when a is 2, b is 0 or 1, and when a is 3, b is 0, 1, or 2; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii); and (b) a solvent are provided. These carboxylate quats as well as carboxylate quats wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group are preferably prepared by an indirect or a direct synthesis.

Abstract: Wood preservative systems comprising (a) a biocidal effective amount of (i) at least one di C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl quaternary ammonium carboxylate having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are a C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl group; R.sup.3 is a substituted or unsubstituted, interrupted or uninterrupted C.sub.1 -C.sub.100 group; l and q independently are 1, 2 or 3 and (l) (q) is 1, 2, or 3; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 50; (ii) at least one di C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl quaternary ammonium borate having the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are defined as above, and a is 2 or 3, but when a is 2, b is 0 or 1, and when a is 3, b is 0, 1, or 2; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii); and (b) a solvent are provided. These carboxylate quats as well as carboxylate quats wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group are preferably prepared by an indirect or a direct synthesis.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyl and polyether hydroxyl esters of fatty acids and polyether hydroxides are provided as waterproofers. These waterproofers are also combined with quaternary ammonium compositions and a solvent in waterproofing, wood preservative systems. Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds have chloride, hydroxide, carbonate, carboxylate, or borate counter ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waterproofing wood preservative system comprising a waterproofer selected from the group consisting of an alkyl amine oxide, an alkyl acetoacetate, and a waterproofing quaternary ammonium compound and a biocide comprising at least one biocidal quaternary ammonium compound wherein said waterproofing quaternary ammonium compound is a C.sub.12 -C.sub.30 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 aryl-substituted alkyl, C.sub.12 -C.sub.30 alkyl quaternary ammonium composition and said biocidal quaternary ammonium compound is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C20 aryl-substituted alkyl, C.sub.8 -C.sub.10 alkyl quaternary ammonium composition. Said wood preservative system offers protection against both biological and physical decomposition of wood, as for example, that occurring in long term-weathering.

Abstract: A high yield method for the preparation of C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl, C.sub.8 -C.sub.16 alkyl quaternary ammonium hydroxide is provided whereby two reactants, a corresponding quaternary ammonium chloride and a metal hydroxide, are reacted in a solvent comprising a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 normal alcohol. The amount of metal hydroxide reactant is that amount sufficient to yield the quaternary ammonium hydroxide and a metal chloride.Also provided are wood preservative systems which include (a) a biocidal effective amount of at least one di C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl quaternary ammonium hydroxide and (b) a solvent, as well as a method for preserving a wood substrate whereby the substrate is treated with the preservative system.

Abstract: Wood preservative systems comprising (a) a biocidal effective amount of (i) at least one di C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl quaternary ammonium carboxylate having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are a C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl group; R.sup.3 is a substituted or unsubstituted, interrupted or uninterrupted C.sub.1 -C.sub.100 group; l and q independently are 1, 2 or 3 and (l) (q) is 1, 2, or 3; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 50; (ii) at least one di C.sub.8 14 C.sub.12 alkyl quaternary ammonium borate having the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are defined as above, and a is 2 or 3, but when a is 2, b is 0 or 1, and when a is 3, b is 0, 1, or 2; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii); and (b) a solvent are provided. These carboxylate quats as well as carboxylate quats wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group are preferably prepared by an indirect or a direct synthesis.